Labor groups petition RTWPB-7: ?100 daily wage increase sought

CEBU, Philippines — A coalition of 18 labor organizations in Central Visayas has formally filed a petition yesterday seeking a ?100 across-the-board daily wage increase, citing the urgent need to shield workers from the impact of rising global oil prices and persistent inflation.

The petition, submitted to the Regional Tripartite Wages and Productivity Board-7 (RTWPB-7), was led by Partidong Manggagawa (PM) and Sentro ng mga Nagkakaisa at Progresibong Manggagawa (SENTRO), along with 16 other labor groups.

The filing comes amid surging fuel prices, increased costs of basic goods, and growing concerns over workers’ purchasing power.

Dennis Derige, PM regional coordinator, said, “Our workers are struggling to cope with the rising prices of food, transportation, and basic utilities. The current wage levels are no longer enough to meet even the minimum requirements for a decent standard of living. We are calling for an emergency wage adjustment of ?100 per day to help families survive this economic crisis.”

Before the filing, members of the coalition gathered outside the DOLE-7 office, carrying banners, flags, and handwritten placards urging government action. Slogans included “SAHOD ITAAS, PRESYO IBABA!,” “SA TAAS NA PALITUNON, P200 WAGE INCREASE ANG SOLUSYON!,” and “IBASURA OIL DEREGULATION LAW,” among others.

The 18 petitioning groups represent a diverse cross-section of workers in manufacturing, logistics, mining, food delivery, and other industries across Central Visayas.

Together with PM and SENTRO, the other groups are: Organization of Metrowear Employees for Genuine Advocacy (OMEGA-PIGLAS); Progressive Labor Union of Hyde Sails (PLUHS-PIGLAS); MEPZA Workers Alliance (MWA); Workers Organization of Lami Foods (WOLF); Prince Warehouse Club Mandaue Employees Union (PWCMEU-LAW); Ilaw-Buklod ng Manggagawa – United Miners of Carmen Copper – Workers Solidarity Network (IBM-UMCC-WSN); KEPCO Cebu Employees Association – Workers Solidarity Network (KCEA-WSN);

Ilaw at Buklod ng Manggagawa – General Milling Corporation (IBM-GMC); Bohol Limestone Mine Workers Union (BLMWU); Coca Cola Logistics Central and Eastern Visayas Union (CCLCEVU-FCCU); Tagbilaran Coca-Cola Plant Employees Workers Association (TACPEWA-AWATU); Minerong Nagkakaisa Para sa Epektibong Representasyon at Organisasyon (MINERO-PIGLAS); Globalwear Employees Union (GEU-PIGLAS); National Union of Food Delivery Riders – Rider Food Panda Chapter; National Union of Food Delivery Riders – Rider Grab Chapter; and 1 Drivers Solidarity (1DS).

  The petition cites Article XIII, Section 3 of the 1987 Philippine Constitution, mandating the State to ensure workers’ rights to a living wage and social justice. It also references Article 124 of the Labor Code and the NWPC Guidelines No. 001-95, which allow wage order reviews under extraordinary circumstances.

  According to the petitioners, the ongoing Middle East crisis and resulting global oil price surge constitute supervening economic conditions justifying an emergency wage adjustment, even before the usual review schedule under Memorandum 22. Rising fuel prices have increased transportation, electricity, and production costs, which in turn drove up the prices of basic goods and services in Region VII.

      The petition noted that the region has recorded the highest inflation rate in the Philippines at approximately six percent, while diesel prices are increasing every week. Essential services, such as water, are also rising, with the Metropolitan Cebu Water District (MCWD) implementing a ?23 rate increase per billing cycle starting April 1, 2026.

  “Supervening conditions like these were not contemplated when the current wage order was issued. Failing to adjust wages now would violate the constitutional policy on living wages, undermine workers’ dignity, and worsen economic instability,” the petition states.

  DOLE-7 and RTWPB-7 regional director Roy Buenafe, said the petition will be addressed immediately, invoking the concept of a Supervening Event or Supervening Condition.

      “The situation we face now is extraordinary and cannot be treated as ordinary. We are committed to ensuring the urgent needs of workers and their families are addressed without waiting for the usual procedural timelines,” he said.

  DOLE-7 is also implementing programs to support workers amid inflation. A department-funded free ride program is available to transport workers, which will allow them to commute at no cost for at least 10 days. The mechanics of the program are being finalized to ensure proper rollout.

  “Through these combined efforts, the wage petition and government support programs, we aim to mitigate the impact of inflation on workers and provide immediate relief to families affected by the current crisis,” Buenafe added.

      The labor coalition urged the wage board to grant the ?100 emergency wage increase across all sectors in Region VII, including non-agriculture, agriculture, service and retail establishments employing 15 workers or less, and manufacturing establishments employing fewer than 10 workers.

      Labor leaders in their petition emphasized that timely intervention is essential to restore purchasing power, uphold social justice, and prevent further financial distress among vulnerable families.

Public statement on wage hike petition

DOLE-7, in a public statement issued later yesterday, acknowledged that a P200 wage hike petition was submitted yesterday morning for consideration by the RTWPB.

DOLE, as chair of the RTWPB, stated that it appeals to the public, “especially our workers, to also understand that based on Republic Act No. 6727, otherwise known as the Wage Rationalization Act, it is the Board that will review, hear, and decide on the matter. However, considering the extraordinary situation we have, we will evaluate the said petition with urgency.”

It added: “Rest assured that the RTWPB will be acting on this with prudence, fairness, justice, and on prevailing economic data. Certainly, DOLE feels the pain of our workers and the vulnerable families among us.

But by the same token, it also hopes that all of us will contribute to the upliftment of our brethren in little or big ways that we can.”

Finally, DOLE-7 said that the agency is “here to provide the appropriate and prompt service to our stakeholders, especially the workers, while also balancing it by looking at the capacity of the employers.” (CEBU NEWS)